Best sign: Jon Rauch working an efficient, 1-2-3 ninth inning to convert his first save opportunity since replacing Joe Nathan.

Rauch needed only 16 pitches (11 strikes) to retire the side. His fastball clocked as high as 91 mph, his curve at 74, and he looked to have a great rhythm.

"It's always nerve-wracking when you're trying to replace a guy like Nathan," Rauch told the Star Tribune after the game. "Just trying to think about going out there and getting it over with and getting that win."